Notre Dame Practice Report: Nov. 3 (Pt. 1)

The temperatures reached the mid 40s today as the Irish hit the LaBar Practice Complex in full pads. The forecast for this Saturday, though, is that it should reach the mid 50s.

General Observations

Quarterback Jimmy Clausen went back to the stationary bike during warm ups instead of jogging with the group like last Tuesday. As he was making his way over to the stretch lines, Bill School, the first-year deputy director of athletics, introduced him to a group at practice.

QB coach Ron Powlus made his way over and was introduced to the group as well.

Wide receiver Michael Floyd looked just as good as ever working with the wide receivers. The main hurdle for him will be taking on a tackle later in the practice session and seeing how he feels after contact.

Wide receiver Robby Parris was in full pads and going through all the drills. He was wearing a sleeve on his right knee.

Offensive guard Andrew Nuss was back in the warmup group instead of starting over on the stationary bikes like last week. With fellow guard Trevor Robinson listed as "doubtful" this week and absent from practice, Nuss will need to be ready to contribute.

Other offensive players missing during the media's viewing session were running back Armando Allen and tight ends Bobby Burger (getting held out because he needs more tests done on his neck) and Tyler Eifert (out for the season and rehabbing to come back in the spring).

Defensive tackle/end Kapron Lewis-Moore is "day-to-day," but he was in full pads and going through all of the drills. He did look to be jogging a bit slower than the others during warm up, though.

Irish head coach Charlie Weis spent time talking to quarterback Evan Sharpley, then headed over to co-defensive coordinator Corwin Brown and called over TE coach Bernie Parmalee just before the end of stretch.

Weis broke the team huddle with “Win!”

Defensive Observations

The defense started with pursuit drills.

The first-team base package was Darius Fleming, Kapron Lewis-Moore, Ian Williams and Kerry Neal as the defensive linemen, Harrison Smith, Brian Smith and Manti Te’o as linebackers and Gary Gray, Robert Blanton, Sergio Brown and Kyle McCarthy in the secondary.

“Pick it up!” DL coach Randy Hart shouted to Lewis-Moore.

Note: Lewis-Moore was at defensive end and Ethan Johnson was at defensive tackle with the first base unit last week.

The second-team base package was John Ryan, Sean Cwynar, Ethan Johnson and Steve Filer on the defensive line, Scott Smith, Anthony McDonald and David Posluszny as the backers, Raeshon McNeil, Darrin Walls, Jamoris Slaughter and Ray Herring as the defensive backs.

“Please be it,” Gray said after the second rep.

Note: Morrice Richardson was at defensive end and Hafis Williams was at defensive tackle with the second base unit last week. Toryan Smith lined up at the MIKE in place of McDonald. Leonard Gordon was the second cornerback in place of a missing Walls.

The linebackers began with their downhill drill.

Harrison Smith worked with the linebackers during the individuals.

“That’s the way to move,” defensive intern Kinnon Tatum said.

“Don’t cross over,” defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta added. “Step, step, step!”

Even though Darius Fleming and Steve Filer lined up as ends in the pursuit drill, they were still in the LB group for the individuals.

Manti Te’o had a brace on his right wrist.

“Don’t take too big of a stop,” Tatum said to Carlo Calabrese.

The defensive line focused on taking on the cut block during their individual drill.

“Bend your knees and keep him away from your body,” defensive graduate assistant Bryant Young told the defensive tackles.

Kapron Lewis-Moore may be hobbled, but he looked good coming off of the ball and used sound technique.

Ian Williams made great contact, but his body got a little out of control when moving laterally to fit in on the tackle.

Ethan Johnson moves very well laterally and always uses his hands.

Sean Cwynar has continued to show an improvement, but he’ll need to keep his body down and get his head across for the tackle.

Tyler Stockton kept having trouble keeping the block off of his legs and was asked to repeat the drill four times. He’ll need to stay lower and come out with his hands quicker to keep the contact off of his legs.

Worth Noting:

NFL scouts were present from the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. RB coach Tony Alford spent time talking to the rep from the Patriots.

Check back tomorrow for Part 2 of the report on the WR, RB and a Navy game prediction.